Abstract:
This study aimed at assessing the effect of breeding methods on conception rates of cattle in Bukedea district. The research study was inspired by the need to improve reproductive performance of cows as it’s of significance in influencing dairy sector profitability. For this study, descriptive research design was used and the research approach involved both qualitative and quantitative approaches through conducting interviews, survey and statistical analysis of data respectively.
Across all the sub-counties, natural mating dominates the breeding system practiced by farmers with highest figures reported in Kolir (n=183) and lowest number reported in Kabarwa (n=19). Low figures were reported on Synchronization + natural mating for all the sub-counties with highest figures in Kabarwa (n=12) and Suula (n=12) and the lowest in Bukedea t/c (n=2).
Synchronization + AI (72.04%) had the least conception rate while, synchronization + natural mating followed with 72.73%. Other methods that did not use synchronization like Natural mating and AI on natural estrus had higher conception rate of 80.40% and 78.56% respectively. The results also highlight various factors affecting the breeding programs ranging from nutrition, availability of the bulls, cost of operation, availability of AI technicians, heat detection problem, stress, body condition score, and age of the animals and time of insemination.
Natural mating is the favorite breeding method in the area and with this practice, there is low adoption of improved breeding technologies like AI and synchronization. This can be attributed to the purpose for which most farmers’ rear animals for beef and traction power. Also, local breeds dominate the herds and this highlights the need for improve extension services in the area. The study recommended, implementation of targeted awareness campaigns to educate farmers, enhancing accessibility to artificial insemination services, providing training programs and capacity-building initiatives and collaboration with relevant stakeholders for optimal results in the district. Future research should focus on the cost effectiveness of synchronization technology.
